Five men appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday charged with writing seditious comments in public places in Fiji have been remanded in custody. According to lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry, the bail application hearing will be on Friday.Fiji: Five Remanded On Sedition Charges

Suva, October 15, 2011 – Five men appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday charged with writing seditious comments in public places in Fiji have been remanded in custody.

According to lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry, the bail application hearing will be on Friday.

All five pleaded not guilty and have also alleged they were assaulted while in police custody.

It is alleged that in August, Usaia Koroi, Waisale Daganayasi, Jagath Karunaratne, Mosese Bulitavu and Eroni Takape conspired by writing seditious words in public places and billboards along the Suva-Nausori road corridor.

It is also alleged that they purported to bring into hatred or contempt or to “excite dissatisfaction” against the government of Fiji.